LONDON — May 2025

Liam O’Hanna, 27, known by his stage name Mo Chara and a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, has been charged with a terrorism-related offence by the UK’s Metropolitan Police.

The charge stems from an incident at a Kneecap concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on 21 November 2024, where O’Hanna allegedly displayed a flag in a manner that led authorities to believe he was expressing support for the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah—which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom.

According to police, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command was alerted on 22 April 2025 to an online video from the event. Following an investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised a charge under UK counterterrorism laws. O’Hanna has been charged via postal requisition and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June.

The charge accuses O’Hanna of “displaying an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation.”

Context and Group’s Response

Hezbollah, a political and armed resistance group based in Lebanon, is listed by the UK Home Office as a terrorist organization due to its militant activities and stated aims of “armed resistance to the state of Israel.” The government alleges that the group supports terrorist activity in Iraq and Palestinian territories.

The incident comes amid a broader wave of scrutiny facing Kneecap. Earlier this month, the Met confirmed it was investigating online videos allegedly showing Kneecap members chanting slogans such as “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and referencing the deaths of British MPs. Those clips sparked widespread controversy and condemnation.

In response, the trio issued a statement denying any support for Hamas or Hezbollah and clarified that they do not incite violence. They apologised to the families of MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, both victims of politically motivated murders, while accusing critics of misrepresenting and weaponising the footage.

“Kneecap’s message has always been – and remains – one of love, inclusion, and hope,” the group said, adding that their music “resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures.”

Rising Profile and Political Themes

Kneecap, active since 2017, has become widely known for its politically charged lyrics, often rooted in Irish republicanism and commentary on colonialism, social inequality, and anti-establishment themes. Their 2024 album Fine Art and accompanying self-titled film gained critical and commercial success.

The group has also been outspoken on international issues, particularly the war on Gaza, frequently criticizing Israel’s genocidal aggressions.

With the upcoming court appearance and continued investigations, the situation has triggered debates around freedom of expression, cultural performance, and the boundaries of political speech in the context of the UK’s strict counterterrorism laws.